After new Bucs coach Lovie Smith preached of the importance of special teams and the return game, the assumption was that Lovie would bring one of the best returners in NFL history with him from
Chicago to Tampa.

Devin Hester will be a free agent once the new year opens on March 11, but NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport says Bucs fans shouldn’t get their hopes up.

For those asking about a possible reunion for Devin Hester and #Bucs coach Lovie Smith: I don’t see it happening.

Although Eric Page did a decent job in his 1st year as return specialist for the Bucs, it would not be a surprise for the Bucs to upgrade their return situation, while also upgrading another position like wide receiver.

If Devin Hester is not a realistic possibility, names like Golden Tate, Emmanuel Sanders, and Dexter McCluster could all add to the Bucs offense and help in the return game.

UPDATE: I asked Ian Rapoport if he had any details about why the Bucs would not bring Hester to Tampa.

@CommishOnline not sure of the specific reason, but doesn’t seem to be in their plans at this point.